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Oshiomhole’s comments come at a time when speculation about Jonathan’s potential return to the presidential race has been gaining traction, with certain political groups and individuals urging the former president to throw his hat into the ring for 2027. However, Oshiomhole dismissed the notion that Jonathan could pose a significant challenge to the APC, arguing that the political dynamics in Nigeria have evolved dramatically over the past decade. He emphasized that the South-South, once a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is no longer a guaranteed bastion for the opposition party. “We will defeat him flatly if he comes out because now, the South-South is no longer PDP, so where is he going to start from?” Oshiomhole stated, underscoring his belief that Jonathan would struggle to muster the necessary political support to mount a credible challenge.
Oshiomhole’s confidence stems from the APC’s growing influence in the South-South, a region that includes states like Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. During Jonathan’s presidency from 2010 to 2015, the PDP enjoyed significant support in this region, largely due to Jonathan’s roots in Bayelsa State and his prominence as the first Nigerian president from the South-South. However, Oshiomhole argued that the political tide has turned, with the APC making inroads in the region through strategic political maneuvers, defections of key PDP figures, and dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership. The senator’s assertion reflects a broader narrative of the APC’s efforts to consolidate power across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, particularly in areas previously dominated by the PDP.
The former Edo governor went further, suggesting that those encouraging Jonathan to re-enter the political fray are not acting in his best interest. He warned that a return to the presidential race could tarnish the former president’s hard-earned reputation as a respected elder statesman. “How can Jonathan be a threat? We defeated him before, when PDP was truly PDP. If a man had a PDP at its peak, at its best, and he was defeated, I think only his enemy will push him to go into election,” Oshiomhole remarked. His comments allude to the 2015 presidential election, in which Jonathan, running as the PDP candidate, was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari of the APC, marking a historic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Oshiomhole’s reference to the 2015 election highlights a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history. Jonathan’s defeat was a significant blow to the PDP, which had held power at the federal level since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. The former president’s decision to concede defeat to Buhari before the final results were announced earned him widespread praise both domestically and internationally. Oshiomhole commended Jonathan for this act, noting that it cemented his legacy as a leader who prioritized peace and stability over personal ambition. “If I were able to advise him, I will say, Sir, maintain this status. You governed for eight years; you don’t have to govern for nine years. He has managed to demonstrate that out of power, you can be relevant and be at peace,” Oshiomhole said, urging Jonathan to preserve his legacy rather than risk it in a potentially contentious electoral battle.
Jonathan’s concession in 2015 was indeed a defining moment, as it marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent president peacefully handed over power to an opposition candidate. This act earned him accolades from world leaders and international organizations, who hailed him as a champion of democracy. Oshiomhole’s remarks suggest that Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman who placed the nation’s stability above personal ambition remains one of his most enduring contributions to Nigeria’s political history. By invoking Jonathan’s famous quote, “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” Oshiomhole emphasized that this principle should continue to define the former president’s public persona.
However, Oshiomhole’s comments come amid growing calls from certain quarters for Jonathan to re-enter the political arena. These calls have sparked debates about the former president’s political relevance and the feasibility of a comeback. Some political analysts argue that Jonathan’s experience, humility, and reputation as a unifying figure could make him a formidable candidate in 2027, particularly in a country grappling with economic challenges, insecurity, and political polarization. Others, however, share Oshiomhole’s skepticism, pointing to the changing political dynamics and the APC’s entrenched position as significant obstacles to Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
Adding to the chorus of voices advising against a comeback, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State during the 2023 elections, echoed Oshiomhole’s sentiments. Jandor cautioned Jonathan against succumbing to pressure from those urging him to contest, warning that such advocates might be misleading him for their own political gain. Jandor’s comments reflect a broader concern among some PDP members that Jonathan’s return could further fracture the party, which has struggled to regain its footing since its 2015 loss.
The debate over Jonathan’s potential candidacy also raises questions about the PDP’s strategy for 2027. The party has faced internal challenges, including leadership disputes and defections, which have weakened its position as a viable opposition force. While some PDP supporters view Jonathan as a figure who could unify the party and attract voters disillusioned with the APC, others argue that the party needs a fresh face to energize its base and compete effectively against the ruling party. Oshiomhole’s remarks suggest that the APC is prepared to capitalize on these divisions, leveraging its organizational strength and regional influence to maintain its dominance.
Oshiomhole’s statements also reflect the broader political strategy of the APC as it prepares for the 2027 elections. By dismissing Jonathan’s potential candidacy, the senator is signaling the party’s confidence in its ability to retain power, regardless of the opposition’s candidate. This confidence is rooted in the APC’s control of key political institutions, its success in winning elections in previously PDP-dominated regions, and its ability to attract high-profile defections from the opposition. However, political analysts caution that the APC must address pressing issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, and public dissatisfaction to maintain its edge in 2027.
In conclusion, Adams Oshiomhole’s remarks about Goodluck Jonathan’s potential candidacy underscore the complex and dynamic nature of Nigeria’s political landscape. While Jonathan remains a respected figure, Oshiomhole’s warning highlights the challenges he would face in a rapidly changing political environment. The senator’s call for Jonathan to preserve his legacy as a statesman reflects a broader sentiment that the former president’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy are best preserved outside the electoral arena. As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over Jonathan’s political future will likely intensify, shaping the strategies of both the APC and the PDP as they vie for control of Nigeria’s future.
